The Alpha's Stolen Luna - Chapter 147: Chapter 147

: Sutton
“My Luna, I had no idea…”
“You should have,” I snapped. “You were supposed to be watching them. You told me she was home.”
“She was…” Soloman pursed his lips. “I am sorry, Luna Sutton. You’re right. I should have known about this. I will get to the bottom of this.”
“It’s a little late for that now,” I hissed. “You…”
I stopped myself from saying something I would regret, from making a scene. I knew better than anyone how conniving and resourceful Mason could be. There was no point in blaming Soloman now.
“What’s done is done,” I said stiffly. “What you can do is help me get to her. I need to figure out how this happened… what’s going on.”
“Forgive me for intruding,” Luna Darcy stated kindly, “but you seemed quite distressed, Luna Sutton. If you need help with something, I’d be glad to assist.”
I gave her the best smile I could muster. I considered turning her down but quickly thought better of it. Of all the people here, Luna Darcy and Alpha Renward knew the most about my situation with the Dawn Stalkers. They also knew how dangerous Alpha Anders and Beta Mason were. With the scrutiny Lucas and I in particular would be under this week, it would be better to have some outside help.
“Thank you, Luna,” I told Darcy. “That would be greatly appreciated.”
“Wonderful,” she replied, looking around the room. “But whatever you have in mind, I suggest we hurry because you’re going to be very popular this evening.”
I turned my attention to the rest of the room and could easily see what she was referring to. There were various groups congregating throughout the hall and many of them were full of side-eyed looks and stolen glances in our direction. We seemed to be the talk of the evening. Pretty soon, we would have a string of people coming to introduce themselves.
“We need a distraction,” Lucas said from my side. “Not now. As the evening dies down.”
“We need to get the woman with Beta Mason away from the group,” I explained. “I need to be able to speak with her.”
“Gamma Max will assist you,” Lucas rushed as three council members began heading our way.
“We’re on it,” Darcy said.
She squeezed my arm before leaving us to deal with our fellow guests. I took a sip of my drink to fortify my nerves. Lucas rested a hand on the small of my back, his thumb making circles along my spine. I leaned against him slightly, needing his strength to help me keep my mind.
I tried to focus on recognizing the three men coming our way. Two of them came to mind fairly quickly — Councilman Walters and Councilman Patel. However, the third name escaped me entirely.
‘Motty, the gentleman on the left…’
‘Councilman Cortez,’ she replied.
‘Thank you,’ I told her, plastering a smile on my face as they began to greet us.
“Alpha Lucas,” Councilman Patel said, “this must be your new mate we’ve been so eager to meet. Luna Sutton, welcome to Moonhaven.”
“And you’re Councilman Patel,” I stated. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The councilman raised an eyebrow in surprise but a grin soon spread across his face.
“It seems you are a well-informed young Luna,” Patel replied. “That is always a good sight to see. It’s important that our packs have skilled leadership.”
“Considering the events that have led to our current break in tradition, I suppose that statement is up for question at the moment,” Councilman Walters said sternly.
“Councilman Walters,” Lucas greeted. “It’s good to see you are just as curmudgeonly as always.”
His two companions snickered quietly as the elderly man lifted his nose further into the air.
“Your inability to quell the animosity between you and other packs is a serious cause for concern, Alpha,” Walters replied. “I would suggest you remember that when you speak to those who are charged to pass judgment on you.”
“The last time I checked, our laws dictate it is the aggressor who bears the punishment of the crime,” Lucas replied confidently.
“Evidence of that responsibility remains to be seen,” Walters stated. “We await to hear your argument.”
“Councilman, this conversation isn’t appropriate outside of a session,” Councilman Cortez said with an eye roll. “Probing for information will only lead to you being dismissed under prejudice. You’re well aware of that.”
Walters shrugged, lifting his nose in the air again before walking away.
“Please forgive our colleague,” Councilman Cortez told us. “He’s unhappy with having to change his plans for this week. Please, eat, drink, enjoy yourselves. It may be the only chance you get for a few days.”
As soon as they left, I leaned into Lucas.
“That didn’t sound good at all,” I whispered. “Do you think even the Council is targeting us?”
“I think Anders has deep pockets and willing ears,” Lucas replied. “But we still have the law on our side. Regardless of who he may have paid off, most of the Council are honorable men. As long as we provide them with irrefutable information, which we have, then they can’t do anything against us.”
I hoped he was right but the knot in my stomach didn’t relax. And unfortunately, that wasn’t something I could focus on tonight. Juggling the endless introductions and small talk while trying to not be obvious about the constant glances towards the Dawn Stalker envoy took enough of my energy.
I wanted Hannah to look at me. She had to know I was here. But she didn’t show any inclination to search for me. She had to know I was here. It made it even more confusing to watch her smiling and laughing right along with the two men I hated most in this world.
By the time people started to leave, I was thoroughly nauseated. I start to wander in their direction as I watched out for whatever distraction Max had planned. I was starting to get impatient and was about to mind-link Max when I saw a hotel staff member speed-walking toward Alpha Anders. As he whispered in the Alpha’s ear, I heard a commotion echo in from just outside the banquet hall. Suddenly, Anders and Mason rushed out of the hall with other pack leaders following.
Hannah stayed behind, looking confused.
This was my chance. I took long strides to reach her. Coming up behind her, I put a hand on her shoulder. She spun around and we locked eyes. Relief washed through me. Until her expression changed. Her eyes narrowed and a scowl appeared on her face.
“I knew you’d try to ruin this for me.”